When you’re trying to stick to a tight budget, your biggest concerns are the essentials—paying the mortgage, getting food on the table and keeping the lights on.

I know from experience that it can be pretty difficult to watch your friends show off their expensive haircuts, designer clothes or salon-perfect manicures when you’re living on a Great Clips budget with a Wal-Mart wardrobe.

Take heart. When you’re out of debt and financially free, you’ll appreciate the discipline you displayed while everyone else was swiping that credit card. But in the meantime, it sure would be nice to experience a little pampering without breaking the budget, right?

Here are a few ways to look good for less.

Find a Cosmetology School for Deeply Discounted Beauty Services

I’ve used this money-saving method for years in two different cities, and I have yet to get a bad haircut. Some people are nervous about having a cosmetology student cut or color their hair. If that’s the case, ask for a student who is about to graduate. That way, they’ll be up on the latest styles and techniques, and they will have already completed many hours of hands-on practice. Also, instructors are usually walking around to advise and monitor the budding stylists.

Aveda Institute, the closest beauty school to my home, currently offers $12 haircuts for women and men and manicures starting at $10. There are plenty of other services as well, and most are far cheaper than your average salon. At Aveda, I can get a quality haircut, manicure, and pedicure for what I would pay for just one haircut somewhere else.

Shop Discount Websites

If you’re still not convinced about the cosmetology school idea, at least find a great deal for a haircut or other salon service by shopping online. Sites like Groupon and Living Social are continually offering deals for 50% off at salons, spas and all kinds of other places. Just read the fine print and do your research to make sure you’re dealing with a high quality, reputable business.

Make a Trade

Start thinking about your nearby friends and relatives and the various skills they have. Do you know someone who’s a hair stylist? How about a masseuse or a makeup artist? Maybe you have a friend who isn’t a professional, but just has a knack for painting nails or styling hair.

Now think about what you’re good at.

Perhaps it’s photography, cooking, gardening or babysitting. Whatever it may be, consider trading it for a free beauty service. We don’t really live in a bartering culture anymore, but that’s beginning to change as people find creative ways to save money and help each other out. I personally know a busy hairstylist and working mom who’d be happy to trade a salon service for a few hours of babysitting. Look for a win-win situation that will save both parties some cash.

Be a Maxxinista

You’ve probably seen the commercials about how you can buy the same designer clothes found in department stores for a fraction of the cost at TJ Maxx or Marshall’s.

Well, it’s true.

I can’t remember the last time I bought clothing at an expensive mall or a department store, because you can generally find me at the nearest TJ Maxx getting five new items for the price of one. This isn’t just a great place to shop for clothes; the same concept applies to beauty products like lotion, shampoo and hair spray. I’ve even found great prices on luggage.

Go Treasure Hunting at a Thrift Store or a Yard Sale

I recently bought two brand name dresses and a blouse for $3 apiece at a community yard sale. All three items were like new. I’ve had similar success at Goodwill. If you turn your nose up at the idea of hand-me-downs or gently used clothes, you’re missing out on some great bargains.

Of course, not all yard sales and thrift shops are created equal.

Make sure you find a good one with quality items that aren’t visibly worn out. A group yard sale in an upscale neighborhood is a great place to start. It’s amazing what people will get rid of to make a little room in their closets. Yard sales are especially helpful when it comes to buying inexpensive clothes for babies and children. Kids grow so quickly that you can find beautiful, almost-new clothes for just a couple of dollars.

Make Your Own Beauty Products

Before you dismiss this idea like I once did, know that you don’t have to be an artistic genius with two hours to spare in order to make your own awesome bath and body products. I found a great recipe for an exfoliating lime and coconut body scrub that uses three cheap ingredients and can be made in less than five minutes.

Homemade beauty items are not only great for pampering yourself—they make even better gifts. Just hang onto an empty jelly jar, add some cheap ribbon and you’ve got a winner. Making your own stuff can be as simple or involved as you want it to be. Personally, I like to stick with basic, foolproof ideas, but if you have a little time, see how creative you can get. I have a friend who has made her own deodorant. It seemed to work (she didn’t smell) but that’s a little too involved for me.

See what else you can come up with to look and feel good for less. Just because you’re on a budget doesn’t mean you can’t pamper yourself once in a while.